The Importance of exercise
Jan 20, 2014 1:17:51 GMT -8
Post by Butiki on Jan 20, 2014 1:17:51 GMT -8
Now I have decided to loose this beer belly that I have developed over the last 12 months I have been doing some research on what are the best exercises for a paraplegic to do. Being a diabetic type 2 as well and I also suffer from high blood pressure, i have to do something positive about my gradual weight gain since my injury.
I came across this artical from the Christopher & Dana Reeve foundation and I though it had some very interesting things to say about exercise, I wasn't expecting to regain any function, but after reading this you never know.
Christopher Reeve demonstrated to the world that he had recovered some movement and sensation. While he could not walk, did not regain bowel, bladder, or sexual function, nor could he breathe without a ventilator, his limited recovery was significant. The scientific literature on spinal cord injury predicts that most recovery will occur in the first six months after injury and that it is generally complete within two years. Reeve’s recovery, coming five to seven years after his injury, defies these medical expectations and had a dramatic effect on his daily life.
I think anything that is healthy for you and with the possibility of some improvement can't be bad
It is true for any of us: exercise is related to better health. Because there are few, if any, negative side effects of exercise, even people who don’t experience recovery in the way that Reeve did are likely to improve their well-being. For Reeve, a high quad on a ventilator, improved health was the single most important benefit of his exercise and therapy program.
I think my wife will be happy to see me get fit again and stop the dreaded smoking, that's a hard one, but I will put some real effort into the smoking soon.
Christopher Reeve’s experience is an example of what can happen when one refuses to accept the “get used to it” dogma. Although it is not clear what caused his recovery, his improvements in function provide a source of hope and inspiration for others.
